Crime-fighting volunteers secure distinctive new van

The Greater Victoria Crime Stoppers unit has unveiled its new vehicle, which will double as a rolling crime prevention billboard.

The new vehicle was purchased with a civil forfeiture grant from the B.C. government. The Civil Forfeiture Office, which puts confiscated proceeds of unlawful activity back into positive community programs, awarded the $20,000 grant for the purchase of a gently-used Dodge Caravan and to have it wrapped with graphics and messaging. The branding was a collaboration between Crime Stoppers and local students and was designed by Camosun College’s graphic communication class.

Besides being a crime prevention tool, the vehicle is also meant to encourage community engagement and protect public safety. The unit serves as a resource for local law enforcement agencies by collecting anonymous tips that help solve crimes. Including the West Shore, the Greater Victoria unit serves 16 communities and often visits schools and public events promoting crime prevention and remediation.